R&D Process Engineer

About the company & role:

An exciting opportunity for an R&D Process Engineer to join an innovative technology development team focused on advancing rare earth magnet recycling. Based in Alexandria, Sydney, this role combines hands-on experimental work, equipment modification, commissioning and process optimisation. 

Working closely with senior scientists and technical specialists, you will operate and improve existing pilot reactors, build and modify bench-scale electrochemical test rigs, and turn scientific concepts into practical equipment changes. This is a hands-on role involving equipment setup, commissioning, experimental trials and troubleshooting, with your results helping guide process scale-up and the next reactor design. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and improve existing pilot reactors, testing different feedstocks, loadings and operating conditions.

• Design, assemble and modify bench-scale hydrogen-assisted electrochemical cells and experimental test rigs.

• Develop and implement practical changes to reactors, electrodes, pumps, piping, circulation, instrumentation and powder-recovery systems.

• Commission new or modified equipment and establish safe, repeatable operating conditions.

• Develop material and energy balances to assess throughput, recovery, energy use and where material is retained or lost within the process.

• Troubleshoot mechanical, flow, instrumentation and electrical-interface issues, working with specialist contractors where required.

Experience:

• Degree in Chemical, Process, Mechanical, Mechatronics or a related engineering discipline.

• 3+ years experience in process development, pilot plants, commissioning or R&D engineering.

• Hands-on experience assembling, modifying and troubleshooting process equipment.

• Ability to translate scientific requirements into practical equipment and experimental setups.

• Good understanding of instrumentation, process-data collection and analysis.

• Ability to develop material and energy balances.

• Experience preparing engineering sketches, specifications and test plans.

• Strong practical problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with scientists, engineers and contractors.

Desirable:

• Exposure to electrochemical cells, electrolysis or hydrogen systems.

• Experience taking processes from bench to pilot scale.

• Familiarity with pumps, circulation systems and solids or powder handling.

• Experience with high-current DC equipment.

• Familiarity with CAD, P&IDs or Design of Experiments.

• Experience in recycling, resource recovery or waste-derived feedstocks.

Culture & Benefits:

• Contribute to innovative rare earth magnet recycling technology.

• Work closely with experienced R&D and technical specialists.

• Gain exposure to bench and pilot-scale reactor development.

• See your engineering ideas built, tested and refined.

• Hands-on role with direct input into process improvements and future reactor design.

• Full-time, permanent role in Alexandria, Sydney.

How to Apply:

If you think this could be the role for you then please apply now! Please send us a cover letter AND a detailed resume. Or, if you have any questions, please contact Priangel on [email protected].

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.